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Triple P-Positive Parenting Programme: A Universal Population-Level Approach to the Prevention of Child Abuse

NCJ Number
202170
Journal
Child Abuse Review Volume: 12 Issue: 3 Dated: May/June 2003 Pages: 155-171
Author(s)
Matthew R. Sanders; Warren Cann; Carol Markie-Dadds
Date Published
May 2003
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the Triple P-Positive Parenting Program, a population-level approach to child abuse prevention.
Abstract
The Triple P-Positive Parenting Program is a multilevel, preventively oriented parenting and family support strategy. The program aims to prevent severe behavioral, emotional, and developmental problems and child maltreatment by enhancing family protective factors and reducing risk factors associated with child maltreatment. The goals of the program are to enhance the knowledge and skills of parents, promote nurturing environments for children and young people, and promote children’s competencies through positive parenting practices. The program targets five different developmental periods, from infancy, toddlerhood, and preschool age to pre-adolescence and adolescence. Triple P draws its program content from several theoretical frameworks, including the social learning model and social information processing models. The self-regulatory framework is operationalized to include self-sufficiency, parental self-efficacy, self-management, and personal agency. The five core positive parenting principles are: (1) ensuring a safe and engaging environment; (2) creating a positive learning environment; (3) using assertive discipline; (4) having realistic expectations; and (5) taking care of oneself as a parent. Research trials are currently underway evaluating the efficacy of the Triple P system of intervention with populations of families notified for child maltreatment. This research evaluates the use of broad parent-training interventions. Research strategies to address the impact of a coordinated, systematic, universal positive parenting campaign such as level 1 Triple P interventions need to be progressed. It is unlikely that there will be any reduction in child maltreatment at a population level unless a broader ecological perspective to supporting parents is adopted. 1 figure, 2 tables, 39 references